What this guide covers
- Whether it works as is at your destination (voltage)
- Whether the socket shape fits (plugs)
- Whether you can take it on a plane (cordless and gas hair irons)
To check your own product and destination, choose the product in the checker to check everything at once.
1. First, check the "INPUT" label
Hair dryers and hair irons have an "INPUT" or "rated voltage" label. Where it is depends on the product: on the body, at the base of the cord, or in the manual. For voltage, compare this label with the voltage at your destination.
| Label example | Meaning | Abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 100-240V | Supports 100V to 240V | The voltages of the countries in the table below fall within this range. No transformer needed. If the socket shape differs, use a plug adapter |
| 100V | For Japan | Do not use it as is in countries with a different voltage |
| 100-120V / 200-240V | Switchable | Set the switch on the product to the local voltage before use (follow the manual) |
To use a product labelled only "100V" in a country with a different voltage, use a transformer or get a product that supports the destination's voltage. If you use a transformer, check its manual for which products and wattage it supports.
2. Voltage and plug types at your destination
| Country / region | Voltage | Plug types |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | 100V | A, B |
| South Korea | 220V | C, F |
| Taiwan | 110V | A, B |
| United States | 120V | A, B |
| Thailand | 220V | A, B, C, F |
| Hong Kong | 220V | D, G |
| Vietnam | 220V | A, B, C |
| Singapore | 230V | C, G, M |
| France | 230V | C, E |
| United Kingdom | 230V | G |
| Australia | 230V | I |
In the IEC list, Japan's plug types are A and B. If your destination only uses types other than A and B, you need a plug adapter. A plug adapter only matches the socket shape; it does not change the voltage.
Source: IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) World Plugs country list (as of June 2025). The IEC no longer publishes this list, so a copy is kept on this site (retrieved 2026-09-27)
For other countries, see the list by country and region. It may differ by region or building within the same country.
3. Conditions for taking a hair iron on a plane
MLIT sorts hair irons and heat brushes by how they are powered.
| Type | Carry-on and checked baggage |
|---|---|
| Plug-in type (no battery) | Both allowed. Not hazardous. USB cord types with no built-in battery are the same |
| Battery type (cordless), where the batteries and heating elements can be isolated | Allowed with conditions. Separate the batteries and heat generating components, or set to flight mode or equivalent. Removed lithium-ion batteries and spare lithium-ion batteries are carry-on only, with steps taken to prevent short circuits (terminal protection, etc.). Not permitted even in carry-on if the battery is over 160Wh |
| Battery type, where the batteries and heating elements cannot be isolated | Not permitted for check-in or carry-on |
| Gas type | Allowed with conditions, up to 1 (hydrocarbon gas, safety cover fitted to the heating elements). Spare gas cartridges must not be checked in or carried on board. On international flights, it is not permitted in the cabin unless it fits into a 1 liter clear, colorless, zipped plastic bag |
Source: MLIT: "Attention! Customers purchasing hair care items: Check that your purchase can be taken on board your aircraft!" (English version) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
This is because battery-operated hair care devices may generate high temperatures and catch fire if turned on inadvertently. MLIT notes that some passengers carry cordless devices without knowing they can be classified as hazardous, and asks buyers to check the conditions before purchase.
4. What about hair dryers?
MLIT's "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" does not have an entry for hair dryers themselves. For products that use batteries or gas, check the battery and gas entries in the same document. If in doubt, ask your airline.
Some airlines have stricter rules. On international flights, rules of other countries' authorities may also apply.
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
Source: MLIT: "Items restricted in carry-on or checked baggage" [in Japanese] (retrieved 2026-09-27)
Before you leave
- I checked the "INPUT" label (100-240V / 100V / switchable)
- I checked the voltage and plug types at my destination
- For a cordless hair iron, I checked whether the heating part and the battery can be separated
- I am not taking spare gas cartridges for a gas hair iron